Monday, December 31, 2012

Trying to get photos while focusing through plexiglass is not always the best, but the activity at Cossetta's just before kick-off between the Packers and Vikings was brisk and fast-paced. The newly remodeled market and restaurant has been expanded with new facilities and the same Italian comfort food, with the addition of a new upscale third floor restaurant. I'm not as crazy about the pizza as are my grand-kids but it is a convenient place to go (a legendary family restaurant) for take-out, too. The chocolate covered cannelloni was divine! The market is terrific, and I much prefer shopping there.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Before attending a Candlelight Service on Christmas eve, DH and I decided to eat a light meal at On's Kitchen, our favorite Thai restaurant where we are always treated like royal guests. I found it quite ironic that we were on our way to a religious service yet I knew nothing about the shrine that symbolized On's religion. Next time I'll ask her for an explanation, but she's always busy in her kitchen!! If you live in the Cities, go there for the best Thai food in the area and tell her that Kate and Jim sent you!!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

This was the scene at 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning as shoppers waited at this fantastic Grand Avenue bakery to get ready for the Christmas Day festivities, buying cookies, cakes, stollens, buche de noels, fruitcakes, pies, pastries, rolls, and bread. Num!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I recently introduced you to an exhibit by artist Hazel Belvo, which was held at St. Paul Academy's wonderful Gallery. Hazel has been painting various renditions of the WITCH tree, and these are two that were part of her recent show.

The Witch Tree as it is commonly known, also called Manidoo-giizhikens, or Little Cedar Spirit Tree by the Ojibwa Indian tribe is an ancient Thuja occidentalis growing on the shore of Lake Superior in Cook County,Minnesota. The earliest written records of the tree by Europeans in the Americas are by French explorer Sieur de la Verendrye in 1731, who commented on the tree as a mature tree at that time, making it at least 300 years old today.[1] The tree is held sacred by the Ojibwe, who traditionally leave offerings of tobacco to ensure a safe journey on Lake Superior. Due to its sacred nature and vandalism problems in the past, the tree is considered off limits to visitors unless accompanied by a local Ojibwe band member.

The tree is small for a mature conifer, as it is growing out of bare rock on the shoreline. Its gnarled, stunted, and twisting branches have been the subject of many photographs. (CREDIT: Wikipedia)

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

My very good friend Syb recently persuaded me that I deserved to buy a Cuisinart Food Processor to replace my old worn-out one which I had used for years and loved. Although I really do not need one now, I was nonetheless convinced that it would be a most wise item to enjoy again in my kitchen.

We laughed about her wicked influence on me and decided to post these photos of her to show what happens to those who exert evil influence on their friends. About a year and a half ago in the dark, Syb stumbled on a ragged piece of turf in her backyard, taking a bad tumble, falling on her face and losing consciousness. Fortunately there were no broken bones nor concussion but she looked pretty beat up for several weeks. The top photo shows her wounds when she was well on her way to recovery. She wore her glasses the day we visited Birchbark Books and the Cafe next door in Minneapolis.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012

Last Sunday I took the photo of our neighbor's tree about 9 a.m. when I decided to take a walk in the falling snow.

I took the second photo of the same tree at approximately 3 p.m. The accumulation of 10 inches of snow was well on its way... what a difference a few hours makes! I probably should have taken a third picture the next morning, but I didn't care to venture out then. Perhaps I'll do the same the next time around!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

And, it was a BIG one. I loved the silence as I walked out into the falling flakes early in the morning. It snowed all day, and parts of our metropolitan area got 16-19 inches of snow. I think our neighborhood got about ten inches.

Our snowplow service did not arrive until after midnight, but then the city plows came through this morning, and the end of the driveway is again impassable!

Monday, December 10, 2012

I saw this rather battle-scarred message on a wall by a parking lot in Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota campus. Although the mural has seen better days, it harkens back to a different period of time, although the message, "Give Peace a Chance," and "Make Love Not War," are dreams of major importance.

Saturday, December 08, 2012

When we had to part painfully from Odin, our first adopted shelter dog, after 12 happy years in our home, we decided that we couldn't "go through" this again. Losing a beloved pet was too painful so we decided to provide a loving home for orphaned animals until they were adopted. We went through a foster parent program and after successfully graduating, Maggi was our first foster dog. She stole our hearts immediately as she bounded (literally!) into our car. Well, Maggi was adopted immediately by us, and we haven't regretted it for one minute!

For more Camera Critters, go here (of course you won't find one as wonderful as our Maggi!)

To check out Second Chance Rescue, click here, and be sure to visit the "Adoption" link to see some of the cats and dogs available.

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Laurie Hertzl (on the left) is the book reviewer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune while Mary Ann Grossmann, writing for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, publish several book related articles during the week. Both are read avidly by bibliophiles in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. I recently took a course on Minnesota writers, and both of these talented women were the speakers at the last meeting. Earlier without realizing who she was, I stumbled upon Laurie's personal blog and was delighted to have finally met her!

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Garrison Keillor's bookstore is a popular spot for book purchases and author readings. I can't tell if the typewriter displayed in the window is or isn't an Underwriter that belonged to him. Guess I'll have to go to the shop and ask him.

To learn more about the store in its new location, go here.
To find out how to meet Garrison, go here.

To see more ABC WEDNESDAY "U" photographs from bloggers around the world, go here.
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Saturday, December 01, 2012

Many creative people reside on the "street where I live," including my next door neighbor who decorates her front yard with some delightful seasonal images. I love this light she often hangs on a tree with candles to illuminate the lantern. I just might use this for a holiday card!

If you click here, you will see other posts with the theme "On My Street," and if you leave comments, many bloggers will appreciate it!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Yesterday I introduced you to Hazel Belvo, artist, writer, mentor, and former colleague. The Gallery at St. Paul Academy-Summit School, where we both used to teach, is currently exhibiting some of Hazel's work, a 4-year retrospective of her paintings.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Today is my last photo from my Cuba trip. After reading all the comments from my fellow bloggers on "Obligations of Membership"listed on the Facebook CDP page, it seems obvious that most members believe that photos should generate only from one's chosen city. I don't agree since my travels are part of who I am with a desire to share cities that I visit, but I will bow to the wishes of the majority. I wrote a detailed explanation on the FB CDP thread, giving my reasons for straying which seemed logical to me. I can't promise, however, that I won't stray here and there on occasion in the future, but I'll try to stay within the original guidelines.

I have many other photos of Cuba, a country that I love, but you'll just have to go there yourself to see the city through your very own lens! I recommend it; you won't be sorry. I want to go again.